High river levels have forced slight changes to both the 5km and 10km course with the Scenic Trail partially underwater, but the first Sweat vs Steam since 2019 is still scheduled to go ahead on Sunday, October 9.
In the 5km, runners will tackle a revised section of the Scenic Trail, while in the 10km run, participants will no longer travel under the old bridge, instead completing a loop around the aquatic reserve.
River conditions will continue to be monitored, but event director Sarah Mulkearns said the run was still scheduled to proceed as planned.
“We’re excited for the event next weekend,” Mulkearns said.
“It hasn’t been on for the last few years so we’re excited to bring it back to the area.
“We’ve had a few challenges obviously with the rising water levels. We’ve had to change part of our course, part of the scenic (trail) is underwater where some of the run was going to be.
“We’re just working with those challenges and with the council, but we’re ready to go and looking forward to all our participants coming to enjoy the run on Sunday.”
More than 200 runners have signed up for the event already, including a strong contingent of junior participants for the inaugural Kids Dash.
“We’re already at over 200 (runners), and generally in the last week you get a rush of entries so we could be upwards of 250 participants,” Mulkearns said.
“This is including close to 50 juniors in our new kids dash, so that will be exciting to see all the little ones running around.”
While runners will still have the opportunity to test their mettle against the might of a paddlesteamer, it won’t be against the PS Pevensey this time around, with the challenge set to come against a more powerful vessel.
“We got notice from the Port Enterprise that we’ll be using a different paddlesteamer due to the current,” Mulkearns said.
“(The Pevensey) is an older boat, and they basically said it would hit Torrumbarry before it could turn around because the river is that fast.
“We’re just confirming which paddlesteamer will be leading out the runners, but they will still definitely be chasing a historic paddlesteamer down the river.”
Mulkearns encouraged those interested in conquering the Sweat vs Steam or those that wish to be involved as a volunteer to get in touch.
“Entries are still open, and they’re open until next Friday, October 7, so if you haven’t entered you can certainly still do that online,” she said.
“We’re also looking for some extra volunteers, so if anyone isn’t participating in the run or if anyone knows.
“It’s a fully volunteer and community-run event with all funds going back to the community.”
The 24th Sweat vs Steam will take place on Sunday, October 9, with entries open until Friday, October 7. For more information and to enter, head to www.sweatvssteam.com.au
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